August 14, (THEWILL) — A 41-year-old Pastor, Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph, has been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command for alleged ‘dehumanisation and abuse’ of children during a church programme in Port Harcourt.
The arrest followed a viral video on social media showing at least 20 children, many unclad, kneeling, and holding palm leaves while being serially flogged with palm fronds. In the footage, a man is seen whipping the children before tossing them one after the other to a man and woman dressed in white.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the arrest, said Pastor Ifediorah allegedly organised a three-day programme for the children, which he claimed was inspired by the Holy Spirit for spiritual cleaning.
“Upon receiving this information, operatives from the Rivers State Police Command, through coordinated intelligence, arrested the pastor and several church members at the scene. A thorough investigation is currently underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding this incident. Further updates will be made public as more information becomes available”, she said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has called for calm while the investigation continued.
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